# NTSB ATL88DKG08: Sikorsky S-55B, N6489, Valdosta, GA, June 16, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1988, 11:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Valdosta, GA
- Location: 30.8327° N, 83.2785° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Valdosta, GA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.8327&lon=-83.2785&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 29, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7538
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88DKG08
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7538/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88DKG08

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - fuselage - corroded (cause)
  - fuselage - cracked
  - misc rotorcraft,tail cone - corroded
  - misc rotorcraft,tail pylon - separation (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - improper, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - maintenance,major repair - not performed, company/operator management (cause)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6489](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6489-2013-08-13), registration cancelled 2013-08-13, S/N 55270, built 1951 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-55B
- Registry model: [Sikorsky S-55B](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-55b) (registry code 8141604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright C7BA series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-c7ba-series) (registry code 67017, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 55270
- Airframe hours: 10000
- Engines: WRIGHT R-1300-3D 700 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Cecil Grant Register, doing business as Cecil Grant Register
- Registered owner: Cecil Grant Register
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 3, 1988, 20 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 9,800 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880616061399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880616061399A), Jun 16, 1988: Skrsky S55B, Valdosta, GA, Substantial damage. Tail rotor pylon broke off during a spray run. Found extensive body boom and pylon corrosion. Improper maintenance.

## Other investigations on N6489 (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB MIA79FLD24](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA79FLD24), Dec 19, 1978: Sikorsky S-55B (N6489), Haines, FL, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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